He was as passionately attached to her as ever, and during the holidays they were never separated; they stood quite alone, their mother and sister interesting themselves but little in their doings, and they were allowed to take long walks together, and to sit in a room by themselves, where they talked, drew, painted, and read.
Mrs.Hannay disapproved of Isobel as much as ever.

"She is a most headstrong girl," she would lament to her friends, "and is really quite beyond my control.

I do not at all approve of the school she is at, but unfortunately my brother in law, who is her guardian, has, under the will of my poor husband, absolute control in the matter.

I am sure poor John never intended that he should be able to override my wishes; but though I have written to him several times about it, he says that he sees no valid reason for any change, and that from Isobel's letters to him she seems very happy there, and to be getting on well.

She is so very unlike dear Helena, and even when at home I see but little of her; she is completely wrapped up in her unfortunate brother.